Here you go! Here are the deadlines for all the upcoming contests editorial cartoonists may enter.
Note: Some contest deadlines and entry fees were not available as of press time. In such cases, the approximate date or month is listed. Always confirm any deadline or entry fee on the appropriate website before submitting.
National Newspaper Awards (Canada)
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.nna-ccj.ca
Open to cartoons appearing in daily Canadian newspapers (or their online editions) in 2018. Entry fee: $40
The Pulitzer Prize
Deadline: January 25, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.pulitzer.org
Awarded for a distinguished cartoon or portfolio published during 2018. $75 entry fee. Please check the Pulitzer web site for updated guidelines.
The Best Cartoon Award (formerly the Thomas Nast Award)
Deadline: January 30, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.opcofamerica.org/
Annual awards from the Overseas Press Club of America for best cartoons on international affairs published during 2018 in a U.S.-based publication or for a U.S.-based audience. $200 entry fee. (And yes, the OPC dropped “Thomas Nast” from the name of the award See the announcement here.)
UPDATE — Finally recognizing that their entry fee may be too high, for the first time OCPA is offering “submissions subsidizes” for freelancers. Organizer Patricia Kranz noted, “If it is difficult for you to pay the full $200 entry fee, contact patricia@opcofamerica.org for information about financial help.”
The Herblock Prize
Deadline: February 1, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.herbblockfoundation.org
Open to newspaper, magazine, syndicate or wire service cartoonists for work published in 2018 in the U.S. or its territories, or in foreign editions of U.S.-based publications. No entry fee.
National Headliner Awards
Deadline: Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: www.headlinerawards.org/entry/
Headliner competition is open to all material appearing in a paid-circulation publication or broadcast in the United States in 2018. Registration fee of $75 per entry. All entries must be submitted online.
Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award
Deadline: February 1, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://rfkhumanrights.org/awards/book-journalism-awards
The RFK awards honor outstanding coverage of human rights and social justice issues, and the power of individual action in the United States and around the world, for work published in 2018. $75 fee required for each entry.
Walker Stone Award (Scripps Howard Foundation)
Deadline: February 8, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.shawards.org/
Given to outstanding opinion-based journalism by an individual or team whose work was originally distributed in 2018 by a television or radio station, newspaper that publishes three or more times weekly, cable network, online news site or website, news magazine, news service or news syndicate. This category recognizes editorials, commentary, blogs, editorial cartoons and other forms of journalistic expression. Note: The Editorial Cartooning Award was discontinued in 2012, but the category was folded into the Walker Stone Award. No information on entry fees.
The Grambs Aronson Award for Cartooning with a Conscience
Deadline: Mid-February 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://brie.hunter.cuny.edu/aronson/?page_id=29
Open to editorial cartooning and graphic topical satire, including animations, that has appeared in print or digital media during 2018. Entrants should submit a portfolio of their best work, maximum 10 pieces. $30 fee for independent cartoonists, $55 for a publication.
Sigma Delta Chi Award
Deadline: February 19, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.spj.org/a-sdx.asp
The award from the Society of Professional Journalists recognizes an editorial cartoonist published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or on-line news site during 2018. $60 fee per entry for SPJ members or $100 fee for nonmembers.
Int’l Editorial Cartoon Competition
Deadline: March 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.ccwpf-cclpm.ca/cartoon-contest/
A highlight of the World Press Freedom Day is the recognition of editorial cartoonists from around the world who have used images and words to make powerful commentary on world issues.
Rex Babin Memorial Award for Excellence in Local Cartooning
Deadline: August 30, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://aaecrebuild.wpengine.com
The Rex Babin Award is open to U.S. and Canadian cartoonists who draw on local or state subjects that a) have a strong political or social impact and b) with excellence in draftsmanship and ideas. For cartoons published between September 2018 to August 2019.
Clifford K. & James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons
Deadline: October 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://nationalpress.org/awards/clifford-k-james-t-berryman-award-for-editorial-cartoons/
The Berryman Award, given out by the National Press Foundation, is open to U.S.-based editorial cartoonists for work that exhibits power to influence public opinion, plus good drawing and striking effect.
STUDENT AWARDS
Mark of Excellence Awards
Deadline: January 15, 2019
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.spj.org/a-moe.asp
Open to student cartoonists currently enrolled in college for work published in 2018. $10 entry fee for SPJ members, $20 for non-members.
The John Locher Memorial Award
Deadline: June 15, 2019.
Rules and entry form available online: https://locheraward.org/
The John Locher Memorial Award is a contest for aspiring cartoonists, ages 18-25, whose work demonstrates both clear opinions and strong artistry on political and social topics. Single panel, multi-panel, and animated editorial cartoons and comics will be accepted.
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartooning (Scholastic)
Deadline: Fall 2018.
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.artandwriting.org/what-we-do/the-awards/guidelines-deadlines/
The Herblock Foundation is now working with Scholastic in offering a scholarship and award for student editorial cartoonists. Deadlines vary by region, so be sure to check out the website for details.
